Faith for the Impossible

What do you do when you find yourself in an impossible situation? Elijah was a man surrounded by people with no faith, yet he chose to trust God. The Bible says, “The just shall live by faith.” Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 17 gives us four principles for developing faith that believes God for the impossible.

1. Faith to Go

“Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him: ‘Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon…’” – 1 Kings 17:7-9

When the brook dried up, God told Elijah to go. Faith often means stepping into the unknown. Think about Noah building the ark, Abraham leaving his homeland, Moses confronting Pharaoh, or Jonah going to Nineveh. Every command from God comes with a promise. He knows where you need to be, and He will provide there.

When your resources dry up, remember: your job, your paycheck, and your possessions are just the vehicle, not the source. God is your source! When the brook dries up, God shows up.

2. Faith to Stay

“…and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” – 1 Kings 17:9

Zarephath means “refining.” God was refining Elijah’s faith, sending him to a Gentile widow in Jezebel’s hometown. It was uncomfortable, even dangerous, but God’s ways are not our ways. He often uses unlikely people in unlikely places to meet our needs.

Faith means staying where God has placed you, even when it’s hard. Don’t run every time life gets uncomfortable. Bloom where you are planted. God goes before you, and His provision is already waiting.

3. Faith to Give

“But first make a small loaf of bread for me… For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain.’” – 1 Kings 17:13-14

The widow had only enough food for one last meal, yet Elijah asked her to give first. It seemed selfish, but it was actually an invitation into God’s provision. When she gave, God multiplied. Her jar of flour and jug of oil never ran out.

The principle of putting God first runs throughout Scripture. The first fruits, the firstborn, the first day of the week, the first tenth of our income—God deserves our best, not our leftovers. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God…and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

4. Faith to Live

“The LORD heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived.” – 1 Kings 17:22

When the widow’s son died, Elijah carried him to his room, cried out to God, and stretched himself over the boy three times. God answered, and life was restored. This was the first resurrection recorded in the Bible, but it pointed to the greater resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes life doesn’t make sense. You pray and still face heartbreak. But don’t give up. Faith doesn’t always get the answer we want, but it always trusts the God who brings life out of death. Jesus bore our sin, died on the cross, and rose again so that whoever believes in Him will live forever. That’s the ultimate victory of faith.

Conclusion: Trust God for the Impossible

Elijah teaches us how to have faith to go, faith to stay, faith to give, and faith to live. No matter how impossible your situation may seem, God is faithful. He hears your cries, He provides your needs, and He can bring life where there seems to be only death. Put your faith in Him today.

Are you ready to take your next step? We’d love to walk with you. Plan Your Visit or Fill Out a Connect Card so we can pray for you and help you grow in faith.